Charleston County fires EMS Director Don Lundy

Charleston County Government officials say EMS Director Don Lundy has been fired.

Officials said Monday afternoon that Lundy was no longer employed by the county which had initiated the separation, effective immediately.

"I am shocked and saddened at the action taken today by the county," read a statement by Lundy released Monday afternoon."Charleston County EMS has a tremendously talented group of professionals who are awesome in every way. I have always spoken highly of them and will continue to do so. CCEMS Has been nationally recognized as an outstanding department and I stand with them as part of that team. I have never spoken poorly about any of my current employees and the quote, taken out of context from my book, does not reflect, either directly or indirectly, on any of my team members. I am, frankly, bewildered at the reason being given for my termination."

A search for candidates, in order to fill the position, will begin soon, according to a statement by the county.

“In the meantime, measures are being taken to ensure EMS will continue providing the best service to our citizens,” said County Administrator Keith Bustraan.

Officials announced that Deputy Administrator of Community Services Christine DuRant will serve as Interim Director until the position is filled.

Lundy published a memoir, Paramedics of the Heart, on July 4 about his career in EMS. The book goes through different experiences he had on the job.

“This is not a job but a calling,” Lundy writes. “In this business, attitude is everything. Those of us who are serious about patient care realize that our sole purpose in our mission is to serve others.”

The book also goes on to describe coworkers of Lundy’s.

“They are life-sucking, energy draining bags of annoying hell,” Lundy writes in a section of the book. “And, for their own misgivings, everyone around them must suffer.”